CN113260283A

CN113260283A - Light non-combustible decorative fireplace rack

Info

Publication number: CN113260283A
Application number: CN202080008087.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 迈克尔·T·贝克; 盖内尔·J·尤松
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Michael T Baker
Priority date: 2019-01-12
Filing date: 2020-01-09
Publication date: 2021-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-09
Also published as: MX2021007186A; JP7267433B2; WO2020146560A1; CA3123628C; US10750857B1; JP2022525718A; CA3123628A1; KR20210113656A; EP3908152A1; CN113260283B; EP3908152C0; EP3908152B1; EP3908152A4

Abstract

A decorative surround article for placement over and/or around a fireplace is provided which is lightweight for ease of transportation and placement. Furthermore, decorative mantles exhibit non-combustible qualities that have not been developed so far in the mantel industry, particularly for such articles provided with a decorative aesthetic design. Such lightweight articles are provided with all non-combustible components having a dimensionally stable structural benefit for long term installation and use, providing a sufficiently strong mantel with a low overall weight measurement. The application also relates to a mounting component.

Description

Light non-combustible decorative fireplace rack

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a decorative mantel article for placement over and/or around a fireplace, the mantel article being lightweight for ease of transportation and placement. Furthermore, the decorative mantles exhibit non-combustible qualities not developed so far in the mantel industry, in particular for such articles provided with a decorative aesthetic design. Such lightweight articles are provided with all non-combustible components having a dimensionally stable structural benefit for long term installation and use, providing a sufficiently strong mantel with a low overall weight measurement. Mounting components are also further included herein.

Background

Fireplaces have long been used in various buildings (whether dwellings, restaurants, warehouses, etc.) to provide a source of heat within the building and potentially to provide aesthetic value to such locations. In any event, with the adoption of fireplaces, structures have also been developed that allow articles, such as christmas socks, watches and other articles to be placed around and/or over such fireplaces. Also, such a structure (often referred to as a mantel) may provide benefits other than simply showing the location of the article, but also provide aesthetic characteristics (such as matching or alignment with the pattern or other design in the subject room) to give a more pleasing interior overall design effect. Mantel racks have then been used for this purpose for a long time.

As mentioned above, such mantles have proven to be beneficial, but also exhibit certain disadvantages if used for a long period of time. This problem often arises due to the use of particularly heavy components within such mantel products, namely stone, dense wood, and even underlying cement and other high weight objects and materials. Such articles must extend at least generally perpendicularly from the wall (especially if only a mantel shelf structure is present), and over the lifetime of such articles (which may be 10 years or more), such articles must be superficially subjected to the stresses and pressures involved with high weight articles extending in this manner. Again, then, such a structure must not only remain structurally sound and extend into position from the wall, but may also require additional weight of the product placed thereon during use, which further limits the ability of such mantel shelves. Therefore, weight reduction without loss of structural integrity is a desirable result in the industry. However, to date, this concern has largely been unapproved, primarily because of the inability to provide reliable materials (repeatedly: heavy stone, cement, wood, etc.) or at least acceptable substitutes therefor without affecting the overall appearance and overall capabilities of such mantel shelving articles. Relatively inexpensive mantel structures have been provided in the industry, but such products lack effective strength for widespread use and/or are aesthetically unacceptable.

Another concern within the mantel industry has recently attracted some level of attention. Flame retardant or non-combustible materials are important considerations for different structures, especially homes (dwellings) and the like. Although there is no clear requirement that the mantel exhibits a certain level of non-flammability, the trend appears to be towards this, particularly pushing on the overall non-flammable material and the end product to improve overall safety. In fact, the only non-combustible type of mantel (or rack, for that matter) consists of very heavy materials (stone, concrete, cement, etc., as mentioned above), but such products are not marketed or even measured for such non-combustible characteristics. Thus, there is a clear need for such products without other mantel industry contributors observing or considering this non-flammability issue with mantel products. Of course, the proximity to fire further increases the concerns required for this effort. Thus, combining lightweight articles with articles that exhibit non-combustible levels (at least mantles that do not burn upon exposure to fire; it is possible to crack or otherwise lose a small degree of structural integrity, but again, the entire article will not actually burn) has heretofore not been explored in the industry. With this concern, there is a clear need to provide a lightweight and non-combustible mantel in the art; however, to date, and as noted above, such development has not begun, let alone the actual progress made.

Disclosure of Invention

One embodiment relates to a surround fire grate comprising a skeletal rod framework. The skeletal pole frame includes a top frame portion and a bottom portion. Each of the top and bottom frame portions has a pair of long rod members and a pair of short rod members. The short pole members are connected between the long pole members at opposite ends of the long pole members. End connecting rods are connected between the top and bottom frame portions to form a skeletal rod frame defining a three-dimensional rectangle. The first and second plate portions are secured to respective outer sides of the top and bottom frame portions. The first and second end plates are secured at respective opposite ends to the end connecting rods. The front plate portion is attached between the front side of the skeletal frame, which is located between the top and bottom frame portions, and the respective end connecting rods. The top and bottom frame portions and the end connector rods define a cavity having an open side disposed opposite the front plate portion. The open side has a tab member for engaging a mounting bar. The mounting bar is attachable to a flat vertical surface to support the mantel, and the first and second plate portions and the first and second end plate portions are constructed of a non-combustible lightweight low density material.

Another embodiment relates to a surround for a fireplace having a metal frame including top and bottom horizontal portions, a pair of short vertical side portions, and front and rear vertical side portions. The front vertical side portion and the rear vertical side portion are connected at opposite ends by short vertical side portions. The plate structure is adhesively attached to the top horizontal portion, the bottom horizontal portion, the end portion, and the front vertical side portion to define a hollow five-sided housing open at the rear vertical side portion. The rear vertical side portion has one or more tabs projecting downwardly from the top horizontal portion to removably attach the mantel to the flange. The attachment to the flange supports a mantel extending from the flat vertical surface and the plate portion comprises a non-combustible lightweight low density material.

Yet another embodiment discloses a mantel having a three-dimensional geometry, a hollow interior and an opening. The opening includes a tab member for engaging a flange portion of the mounting bar. The three-dimensional geometry is enclosed on five sides by a non-combustible lightweight low-density material.

A significant advantage of the mantel described herein is the combination of low weight and non-combustible characteristics. Another advantage is that it is easy to transport (especially when transported in bulk) and install. A further advantage is that it increases the safety for the user not only in terms of such installation considerations, but also in terms of the reliability of such articles to withstand high temperatures, thereby reducing the tendency of fire to spread within the building associated with such mantles.

Accordingly, the decorative mantel of the present invention comprises all non-combustible materials, wherein said materials comprise: a) a three-dimensional metal frame having a top, a bottom, two short sides and two long sides, b) a lightweight elastomeric sheet structure, and c) an adhesive; wherein the lightweight elastic plate structure is contacted and attached to the metal frame by the adhesive. Wherein the plate structure covers all parts of the metal frame except one long side; and wherein the metal frame comprises extensions within the uncovered long sides, such that the extensions provide attachment means for mounting to a wall. Furthermore, the entire mantel (shelf) article may have a density (weight per unit length) in the range of 1.5 to 3.5 grams per cubic foot, more preferably 2.0 to 3.0 grams per cubic foot, most preferably about 2.4 to 2.6 grams per cubic foot. Also, the level of non-flammability throughout the mantel (shelf) is: exposure to temperatures as high as 1995 ℃ (celsius) for at least 30 minutes, preferably at least 60 minutes, appears to be non-incinerating or flammable, with only potential loss of dimensional stability (such as cracking and/or slight deformation) upon exposure to such high temperatures over such a time frame.

Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a flexible, lightweight and non-combustible mantel article that can be mounted on and/or to any type of wall as needed or desired to provide a display surface or other similar product. The three-dimensional structure of the frame may be a standard shelf shape, which, as is well known and understood, is a flat structure having a measured distance of depth, length, and width, where the width is generally less than the length and the depth is less than the width when measured. As an example, these dimensions are provided in a measurement distance range of 3:1 to 10:1 when referring to the length to width ratio. Likewise, the depth (z-axis, as opposed to the x-axis for length and the y-axis for width) is approximately 4:1 to 10:1 when related to the comparison of width to depth. For practical distances, the length may be 1.5 feet to 5 feet, the width 3 inches to 6 inches, and the depth 1 inch to 3 inches. In any case, the internal three-dimensional metal frame provides the basic structural outline to be followed in this respect, which has a skeleton-like frame for this purpose. As mentioned before, the frame will provide a basis for the top surface, the bottom surface, two short side surfaces and two long side surfaces, wherein the two associated sides are parallel to each other (short side opposite short side and long side opposite long side). Thus, the frame will have the general structure: with one or more longitudinal rods in each direction (the longitudinal rods preferably have a square cross-sectional shape, but other geometries may be employed if desired). Thus, for example, for the length of the top surface, opposing parallel bars are provided, each of the parallel bars being a single bar structure or two or more straight full bars in series but connected to each other to form for both the front and rear edges of the top surface portion. The same applies to the bottom surface portion. Thus, the width is determined in relation to the distance between two top and bottom surface portions separated by a cross bar aligned at least along the edge of the short side of the frame. The same type of square section bar can be used for this purpose. Furthermore, a plurality of such rails may then be used, some if not all of which are spaced at a uniform distance from each other in order to increase the shear stress level of the finished mantel product. If desired, more than one or two crossbars may also be used at either end of the frame to allow for greater strength to be added at such opposite ends (e.g., the two opposite ends at the short sides of the longitudinal shelving structure). Furthermore, the frame may then comprise pillars at both ends and at the same positions as the crossbars, as described above, all in order to provide structural strength in a direction perpendicular to the crossbars as well as the longitudinal bars (essentially, yielding the z-axis depth dimension of the mantel shelf), in order to provide the required depth to the entire mantel shelf structure. Thus, such frame structure members may be provided as a single three-dimensional frame or be constructed of different bar members by welding or the like, as desired. In either way, the outer surface of such a frame structure should be substantially planar and smooth to allow for flat plate attachment. One of the upper longitudinal bars will also comprise an extension allowing simplified attachment to an installation tool, which may first be introduced into the wall (or similar structure). The extension may be complementary in shape, structure and strength to connect appropriately with such mounting means so that the entire fireplace frame remains in place following such connection between the extension and the mounting means. Such extensions may be, for example, of any geometric shape, but the strength and immobility provided by using a square configuration is potentially preferred. These extensions may extend downward from the top surface frame portion in the same plane as the frame, or in some cases, may extend not only downward from the top surface frame portion but also away from the same frame portion plane. This allows the use of straight planar members to be associated with similarly configured mounting devices or with slight angles to allow similarly positioned mounting apparatus shapes. Of course, the overall objective is to provide a mantel that is suitably flush with the target wall, so as to be suitably placed during actual use and balanced with the objects placed thereon and to provide suitable aesthetics in clear lines.

Therefore, such frames must also be constructed of non-combustible materials to meet the desired overall non-combustible characteristics. In this case, the use of a frame allows the introduction of other materials that provide a strong foundation structure for article placement purposes and that may not require other objects than themselves to be placed on such a frame. Thus, the materials that allow such a frame structure, and thus to meet overall lightweight results (based primarily on sheathing panel materials, but still relying on a frame that is sufficiently lightweight to allow such a system to function as desired), must be non-flammable by themselves and non-flammable when mixed with the other material components mentioned herein. Metals such as, but not limited to, galvanized iron rods (and frames) allow for this result. Other possible materials to meet this result include, but are not limited to … …

Suitable materials are necessary in order to provide the beneficial lightweight characteristics as well as all important non-flammability characteristics while still providing an integral structure that exhibits the necessary ability to retain the external weight of an article placed thereon on such a structure during use without significant sagging or other similar physical damage. Such materials have proven elusive, particularly in determining all of the above requirements, and also have the ability to conform to a decorative and aesthetically pleasing overall structure. To this end, it has been recognized that certain boards made from a mixture of portland cement, silica, and cellulose fibers, mixed and sintered into a flat board structure, have particularly unexpectedly good significance. In this case, this material, diamond plate (diamondboar) (or smartwood), was included in the experimental activity developed. Such a plate is suitably cut to conform to the external dimensions of the frame provided along the top and bottom surfaces, two short sides and one long side (the last long side is open, the suspension extensions are not covered for access purposes). Thus, the application of the frame covers all but this long side. Other portions, i.e., non-combustible adhesives (such as, but not limited to, polyurethane adhesives from 3M company and/or Sika company) required herein are applied to each of the frame surfaces to which the boards contact and are attached. With the frame in place, such adhesive is thus only applied to the surfaces that will actually be in contact, thereby reducing the amount of adhesive typically required for such a purpose. The end result is thus a shelving unit (mantel) having a covered top surface, a covered bottom surface, a covered front vertical side and two covered vertical short sides, these parts being covered by the sheet material by means of an adhesive as described above. This final structure can thus be allowed to set in terms of adhesive and then used for wall mounting purposes, this final structure being mounted on the wall alone or above and/or adjacent the fireplace by means of complementary mounting extensions which securely engage with the mounting apparatus from the open long vertical end of the fireplace rack. The unitary structure may further include design work in or on the surface of the panel member to allow any desired decorative result to be included, at least for aesthetic purposes. Thus, a "brick" pattern can be employed on board surfaces having finishes, coatings, decals, etc., as desired to provide such a design. By combining a lightweight non-combustible framework, lightweight non-combustible surface plates and non-combustible adhesives (and, if desired, any type of surface design equipment as described above), the entire mantel exhibits properties that have not heretofore been explored in the industry. Furthermore, the hollow structure of the mantel itself provides an additional beneficial lightweight result, since the overall structure is significantly less dense than other heavier, completely solid, non-combustible mantel products.

Such a mantel article may be provided in any suitable shape, particularly as a stand-alone shelf or in connection with a fireplace. Thus, while the structure is described above as a three-dimensional rectangular shelf shape, such mantles may be provided in three-dimensional shapes including, but not limited to, triangular, trapezoidal, semi-circular, partially circular, arcuate (only a portion of such structure is in contact with the subject wall), and the like. Likewise, as noted above, any design may be incorporated into the outer (wall-untouched) surface for any aesthetic purpose desired. The overall ability of the mantel described herein to retain certain weighted articles (displays, etc.) is limited only by the maximum load bearing limit of the panel components. Therefore, those mantles provided of the type described herein are of considerable importance and should therefore comply with a maximum (and possibly more than) total of 115 pounds, with concentration values typically ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 pounds per cubic.

These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as additional novel features, will be apparent from the description provided herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the subject matter, but is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the subject matter's functionality. Other systems, methods, features and advantages provided herein will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of any claims that may be presently and/or later filed.

Drawings

The novel features and believed characteristics of the disclosed subject matter are set forth in any claims as filed now and/or later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 depicts a rear perspective view of a mantel shelf according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 depicts a side view of the vertical frame member of fig. 1 with mounting extensions, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 depicts a side view of the opposing vertical frame members of fig. 1, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4 depicts a top view of the horizontal top frame member of fig. 1, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 5 depicts a side view of the frame component of fig. 1, according to an embodiment.

Figure 6 depicts the mantel shelf of figure 1 mounted above a fireplace.

Fig. 7 depicts a semi-circular mantel shelf according to an embodiment.

Fig. 8 depicts a side view of a potentially preferred embodiment of a mounting bracket used in conjunction with the mantel shelf of fig. 1 and shaped complementary to its mounting extension.

Fig. 9 depicts a side perspective view of the mounting bracket of fig. 8 in contact with the mantel shelf of fig. 1 for secure retention.

Detailed Description

Reference should now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are presented as non-limiting possible embodiments in light of the description provided above. The extent and scope contemplated herein in connection with the following potentially preferred types will be fully understood by one of ordinary skill.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," or "includes" and/or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Fig. 1 depicts a side rear perspective view of a mantel shelf 10 as disclosed herein. The frame 12 is shown with a mounting extension 14, horizontal longitudinal bars 16, vertical cross bars 18, horizontal cross bars 20, vertical side bars 21, and load bearing bars 22 at the ends. Such a frame is applied to the top lightweight non-combustible panel 24, the floor 26, the two side vertical panels 28 and the front vertical panel 30. The openings 32 thus allow for a reduction in the overall density of the mantel 10 and allow access to the mounting extensions 12 for wall mounting purposes.

Fig. 2 shows a vertical frame member 100 that includes horizontal longitudinal bars 16, vertical cross bars 18, and mounting extensions 12. Fig. 3 shows a different vertical frame member 110 having horizontal longitudinal bars 16 and vertical cross bars 18. Fig. 4 shows a horizontal frame member 120 having longitudinal (horizontal) bars 16, horizontal cross bars 20 and load bearing bars 22 at the ends. Fig. 5 shows a side view of the vertical side frame member 130 with the vertical cross bar 18 and the load-bearing bar 22 at the end. Such a structure, partially shown in fig. 2 to 5, is present in the mantel depicted in fig. 1. Figure 6 shows the mantel of figure 1 (and the mantel of figures 2 to 5 for that matter) mounted on a wall 152 above the fireplace 150 (such as in connection with the mounting bracket of figure 8, as one possible embodiment). Thus, fig. 7 shows a different geometry of mantel 200 (semi-circular shape) installed as in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows a potentially preferred mounting bracket 200, which is a horizontally configured rail having a lower longitudinal linear member 202 (in this embodiment, an elongated rectangular shape), the lower longitudinal linear member 202 including a plurality of openings 204 in a staggered geometry for the introduction of nails, studs, tacks, screws, etc. (not shown), the plurality of openings 204 again being disposed at any selected location (such as in fig. 9) that allows such a fixed wall mounting. Thus, the upper member 206 of the mounting bracket includes a flange 208, the flange 208 extending upwardly at an initial angle 210 (anywhere between 5 and 45 degrees from the plane of the lower member 202), and then turning at another angle 212 (potentially preferably complementary to the initial angle) to provide a substantially parallel rectangular rectilinear member 214 relative to the lower member 202. This initial angle 210 provides an insert 216 along the entire hanger rail (mounting bracket) 200 for placement of a mounting extension (e.g., 12 of fig. 2) of a mantel shelf (10 of fig. 1 and 9). In this manner, as shown in fig. 9 (and 6), the mounting bracket 200 is securely attached to a subject wall (such as 152 of fig. 6) (or other substrate and/or target material on or to which the mantel shelf 10 is mounted) to allow for safe, reliable and secure placement of the mantel shelf 10 for installation and/or display purposes flush with the target wall, so the fireplace shelf appears flat in this configuration.

The mantel of fig. 1 has been tested for heat and flame exposure. Direct application of the propane flame source resulted in a slight color change after 5 minutes of exposure and no surface burn. The mantel remained structurally stable and any changes, surface cracks, were only apparent after 1 hour of exposure. However, in addition to this, the mantel remained structurally sound and did not present any possibility of causing fire to flow from it to any other surface. In addition, the mantel exhibits sufficient strength to hold the apparent weight and deadweight of the article in the range of up to at least 115 pounds provided centrally as described above (the same minimum amount of counter-weight on top of the mounted shelves). Finally, the lightweight of the mantel (here, 48 inch rectangular shelves, e.g., 27 pounds net weight) allows for easy installation, as the weight is not too great for one to lift and install the mantel as desired. Larger size rectangular shelves add weight but are not so high that installation is too difficult (e.g., a 60 inch long shelf weighs 36 pounds and a 72 inch long shelf weighs 42 pounds). Furthermore, this lightweight benefit translates into a reduction in transportation costs, as the bulk of the transportation in shingle shipments can cost 1/2 (if not less) of the cost of a relatively heavy non-combustible mantel shelf.

Thus, as described above, a lightweight non-combustible mantel shelf is provided which can be attached to any wall structure as desired to provide a decorative display surface as desired. Such lightweight articles facilitate installation and significantly reduce transportation costs, and their non-flammable nature allows for safer and more acceptable household products in terms of flammability and other similar concerns. Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes can be made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the description herein cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A surround, comprising:

a skeletal rod frame comprising:

a top frame portion and a bottom portion, each of the top and bottom frame portions having a pair of long rod members and a pair of short rod members connected between the long rod members at opposite ends thereof;

at least two end connecting rods connected between the top frame portion and the bottom frame portion to form the skeletal rod frame defining a three-dimensional rectangle;

a first plate portion and a second plate portion secured to respective outer sides of the top portion and the bottom portion;

a first end plate portion and a second end plate secured to respective opposite ends of the end connecting rod;

a front plate portion attached between the front side of the skeletal frame between the top and bottom frame portions and the respective end connecting rods;

said top and bottom portions and said end connector rods defining a cavity having an open side disposed opposite said front plate portion;

the open side having at least one tab member for engaging a mounting bar;

wherein the mounting bar is attachable to a flat vertical surface for supporting the mantel; and is

Wherein the respective first and second plate portions and first and second end plate portions comprise a non-combustible lightweight low density material.

2. The surround of claim 1, wherein the top frame portion and the bottom frame portion are rectangular.

3. The surround of claim 1, wherein the top frame portion and the bottom frame portion are planar.

4. The surround fire rack of claim 1, wherein the lightweight, low-density material has a density in the range of 1.5 grams per cubic foot to 3.5 grams per cubic foot.

5. A surround according to claim 1, wherein the surround is non-combustible when exposed to temperatures up to 1995 ℃.

6. The surround of claim 1, wherein the mounting bar includes a flange that extends upwardly to receive the at least one tab member to support the surround projecting from the vertical surface.

7. The surround of claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a mixture of portland cement, silica, and cellulose fibers, the mixture being mixed and sintered into a flat panel structure.

8. The surround of claim 1, wherein each panel section is secured to the skeletal frame with a non-combustible polyurethane adhesive.

9. The surround of claim 8, wherein the adhesive is applied to each of the frame surfaces, at least one of the plate portions contacting and attached to the frame surface.

10. A surround, comprising:

a metal frame comprising:

a top and bottom horizontal portion, a pair of short vertical side portions, and front and rear vertical side portions connected at opposite ends by the short vertical side portions, respectively;

a plurality of plate structures adhesively attached to the top horizontal portion, the bottom horizontal portion, end portions, and the front vertical side portion to define a hollow five-sided housing open at the rear vertical side portion;

the rear vertical side having at least one extension tab projecting downwardly from the top horizontal portion to removably attach the mantel to a flange;

wherein attachment to the flange supports a mantel extending from a flat vertical surface; and is

Wherein the plurality of plate portions comprise a non-combustible lightweight low density material.

11. The surround of claim 10, wherein the metal frame comprises a three-dimensional geometry.

12. The surround of claim 11, wherein the geometric shape is selected from one of a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, and a semi-circular shape.

13. The surround of claim 10, wherein the top frame portion and the bottom frame portion are planar.

14. The surround fire rack of claim 10, wherein the lightweight, low-density material has a density in the range of 1.5 grams per cubic foot to 3.5 grams per cubic foot.

15. A surround according to claim 14, wherein the surround is non-combustible when exposed to temperatures up to 1995 ℃.

16. The surround of claim 10, wherein a flange portion extends upwardly from the mounting bar for receiving at least one tab member to engage the surround to project from the vertical surface.

17. The surround of claim 10, wherein the panel comprises a mixture of portland cement, silica, and cellulose fibers, the mixture being mixed and sintered into a flat panel structure.

18. The surround of claim 10, wherein each panel section is secured to the skeletal frame with a non-combustible polyurethane adhesive.

19. A surround, comprising:

a three-dimensional geometry having a hollow interior and an opening; the opening comprises a tab member for engaging a flange portion of a mounting bar;

the three-dimensional geometry is enclosed on five sides by a non-combustible lightweight low-density material.

20. The surround fire rack of claim 19, wherein the lightweight low density material has a density in the range of 1.5 grams per cubic foot to 3.5 grams per cubic foot;

wherein the fireplace rack is non-flammable when exposed to temperatures up to 1995 ℃; and is

Wherein the panel comprises a mixture of portland cement, silica, and cellulose fibers, which mixture is mixed and sintered into a flat panel structure.